Potentially dangerous winds are expected at the beginning of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which kicks off its two-weekend run on Friday.
The National Weather Service has issued a high-wind warning for the Coachella Valley, including the cities of Indio, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, through 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The warning means a hazardous wind event is expected -- or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of 20-35 mph are expected, with gusts up to 55 mph possible. Winds of this strength could topple high-profile objects and vehicles. This could cause blowing dust and debris, and make driving to the event difficult.
"This could lead to property damage and also pose a specific threat to the thousands of campers expected in the area," NBC 7 meteorologist Jodi Kodesh said.
Kodesh, who has forecasted and attended the festival many times, said attendees have come to expect hot and windy weather.
"People often take extra measures, like goggles to protect their eyes and bandannas to cover their noses and mouths," Kodesh said.
The warning expires Saturday morning, though it will still be quite windy through Sunday.
A high temperature of 81 degrees is expected Friday, with temperatures on Saturday reaching 84, and Sunday topping out at 88 degrees. Evening temperatures will be much cooler, of course, and are expected to be in the 70s.
